Hey there, I'm Zac Wolfe. If we haven't crossed paths yet, here's a little about me: when I was 19, my life changed in an instant. A car accident left me with a C5-C6 spinal cord injury. For some, that diagnosis might have felt like the end of the road. For me, it was the start of a whole new adventure.
I'm an off-roader. An explorer. A camper. And yeah, a guy who lives life to the fullest – from the seat of my wheelchair. My love for the outdoors never wavered, even after my injury. The mountains still called. The dusty trails still tempted. The stars still shined just as brightly at the end of a dirt road. So, I rolled on.
Adventures with Wheels
If you follow me on social media, you know my playground isn't your average tourist spot. I seek out places most people wouldn't dare go: off-the-grid destinations, rugged trails, hidden campsites. But when you use a wheelchair, those kinds of trips come with a different kind of unpredictability. I never really know what I'm going to "roll into."
Some campsites advertise accessible bathrooms – reality doesn't always match the description. Some don't have any facilities at all. That means I have to be twice as prepared and twice as resourceful. But with the right gear and mindset, anything is possible.
My Off-Road Must-Haves
Every trip is different, but I never leave home without my essentials.
If my wheelchair needs a little love on the trip
- Allen wrenches
- Vise grips
- Various-sized wrenches
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties (because zip ties fix everything!)
- Spare tubes
- Tire spoons
- Electric air pump
Having these tools handy means I can tackle most issues on the fly. When you wheelchair is your lifeline outdoors, maintenance is survival.
Camping gear I swear by
- A rolling suitcase: Easier to manage than duffel bags and perfect for carrying clothes and essentials.
- My commode chair: I never assume a campsite is truly accessible, so this chair goes everywhere with me. It even fits in a suitcase we picked specifically for it.
- Pop-up shower tent and shower kit: No accessible bathroom? No problem. We bring our own.
- Extra catheters and antibacterial wipes: Non-negotiables. Hygiene is key when you're far from a clean facility.
Beyond gear, I pack patience, humor, and a willingness to adapt – because adventure doesn't wait for perfect conditions.
Booking the Perfect Spot
When it comes to booking a site, I don't leave anything to chance. I call ahead, talk to staff, and ask detailed questions about the layout. A little research goes a long way when you're navigating rocky terrain in a wheelchair. Is it frustrating sometimes? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Why I Do It
Every trip reminds me why I keep pushing forward. Whether it's the quiet of a sunrise over the mountains, the crackle of a campfire at night, or the thrill of hitting a backcountry trail, these are the moments that fill my soul. Being outdoors makes me feel alive – more than any diagnosis ever could.
Sure, there are challenges. There are days when my arms are sore, my patience runs thin, and my gear feels like it's working against me. But when I look around at where I am and what I get to experience, it all makes sense. This is freedom. This is living.
To Anyone Wondering If It's Possible
Yes, it is. Whether you're a wheelchair user, someone navigating life after an injury, or just someone hesitant to take that first big trip into the wild: you can do this. It takes planning. It takes flexibility. But most fall, it takes belief in yourself.
Your wheels don't have to hold you back; they can take you places you never imagined.
Here's to rolling into the unknown, finding beauty in the wild, and never letting anything hold you back from the life you dream of living. Catch you on the next trail!
About the author
Zac Wolfe became a wheelchair user after a car accident in July 2011. He quickly learned that he had two choices: continue to live his life and explore this beautiful world or let this injury defeat him. Zac chose to live and explore. Zac is a huge outdoors enthusiast and loves off-roading in his Jeep. He made it his life goal to help others keep pushing forward and see that anything is possible with a positive attitude. It may not be easy, but it is worth it. Throughout his 12-year journey in a wheelchair, he has overcome unthinkable obstacles. Zac has a beautiful wife and has been blessed with four beautiful children: Charlie, Knox, Noa, and Navie.
Zac's ride is a Quickie Nitrum.
Most of the stories here on LiveQuickie.com were submitted by readers. Do you have a story to tell? We'd love to hear it. Submit your story here.